Sail MV announces new board members ahead of busy season

Posted May 11, 2006

Peggy Schwier has been appointed the president of Sail MV. Ms Schweir's appointment was announced this week by the board of the Vineyard Haven-based non-profit. Her appointment fills the vacancy created by retiring president John Christensen, who led the organization for six years.

The board also announced the appointments of Charlie Felder as vice president; Liz Packer, clerk; and Brock Callen, treasurer. Mr. Christensen said of the new officers, "These folks bring fresh eyes, fresh talent and renewed energy to one simple thing: connecting the citizens of Martha's Vineyard to their seafaring heritage."

Mr. Christensen led the organization as it developed its free sailing program for Island children into a comprehensive set of sailing instruction courses, offered every summer at the Sailing Camp Park in Oak Bluffs. He also oversaw the expansion of Sail MV activities in the areas of maritime education, community sailing, and liaison with other seafaring organizations.

The Sail MV directors also voted to add three more members to its number: seasonal resident Nancy Parrish; founder and head of Vineyard Voyagers Sidney Morris; and returning board member Bob Carroll.

Doug Heil, sailing master of Sail MV and coach of the MVRHS varsity sailing team, is adding another job to his long list of activities. This year he will head the new Vineyard Cup Race and Seafaring Festival Weekend, July 7-8 in Vineyard Haven Harbor. Mr. Heil will oversee all on-the-water activities, including the East Coast Junior Windsurfing Championship and the Northeast Gig Rowing Championship, which will be held in the harbor and at the Sailing Camp Park on the Lagoon. He will also organize the High School Nationals Regatta, hosted by Sail MV on May 27-28, all while preparing the Sail MV Opti and 420 fleets for the summer season.

Hope Callen has rejoined the staff of Sail MV and is once again the person to call (508-696-7644) for more information about summer programs, including the 15th Annual Seafood Buffet and Auction on July 8, and the Vineyard Cup Weekend. Tom Rancich, former executive director, left the organization in April.